SPOT.
Photo of a Bentley Mulsanne

Bentley Mulsanne

Mulsanne Speed: 1,100 Nm at just 1,750 rpm.1

Researched November 1, 2026 from 35 sources

Also called

  • The Grand BentleyBentley's internal name for the modern Mulsanne during development.2
  • Project KimberleyThe modern Mulsanne's development codename, inspired by South Africa's Kimberley diamond.2

At a glance

0300600
170–530 hpPower
07.515
4.9–10.9 s0–100 km/h
0175350
192–306 km/hTop speed
06001,200
500–1,100 N·mTorque
01,5003,000
2,245–2,751 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.2710

Engine
6.75 L V8; original: naturally aspirated/turbo; modern: twin-turbo237
Layout
Front-engine, rear-wheel drive (both generations)27
Gearbox
Original: GM 3-speed auto; 1992 S: GM 4-speed; modern: ZF 8-speed auto268
Built at
Bentley Crewe, United Kingdom (both generations)27
Units built
1980–92: 2,019; 2010–20: approximately 7,90027

The story

The 1982 Turbo helped restore Bentley's sporting identity. Reborn in 2010 to replace the Arnage, the Mulsanne used a bespoke platform, hand-welded bodywork and paint polished for 12 hours with lamb's wool.2345

1980: SZ launch: the first Mulsanne19801982: 298 hp brings the Mulsanne Turbo19821987: Fuel injection, ABS and the Mulsanne S19871992: Four speeds for the final Mulsanne S19922009: Pebble Beach reveals the Arnage heir20092011: 4.9 seconds to 60 mph, tested20112015: Speed: 530 hp and 1,100 Nm20152016: A quieter 2017 range, plus a 250 mm stretch20162020: 30 final cars retire the 6.75 L V82020 Bentley T1 (T1): 1965–1977T1Bentley T2 (T2): 1977–1980T2Bentley Mulsanne (SZ): 1980–1992SZBentley Turbo R: Introduced 1985Bentley Turbo R 197019801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones3672324
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1965–1977Bentley T1 (T1)
1977–1980Bentley T2 (T2)
1980–1992Bentley Mulsanne (SZ)
Introduced 1985Bentley Turbo R
1980SZ launch: the first Mulsanne
1982298 hp brings the Mulsanne Turbo
1987Fuel injection, ABS and the Mulsanne S
1992Four speeds for the final Mulsanne S
2009Pebble Beach reveals the Arnage heir
20114.9 seconds to 60 mph, tested
2015Speed: 530 hp and 1,100 Nm
2016A quieter 2017 range, plus a 250 mm stretch
202030 final cars retire the 6.75 L V8
  1. 1980

    SZ launch: the first Mulsanne

    The Nice Motor Show debut pairs the Mulsanne with the mechanically identical Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit, replacing the Bentley T Series.3

  2. 1982

    298 hp brings the Mulsanne Turbo

    A Garrett AiResearch T04 turbo joins the carbureted V8. The Geneva debut marks the start of Bentley's revival.36

  3. 1987

    Fuel injection, ABS and the Mulsanne S

    The Mulsanne S arrives with Turbo R wheels, interior and firmer suspension; fuel injection and ABS become universal across the original range.37

  4. 1992

    Four speeds for the final Mulsanne S

    The Mulsanne S gains a GM 4L80-E four-speed automatic in its last production year, closing the original Mulsanne era.78

  5. 2009

    Pebble Beach reveals the Arnage heir

    Unveiled at Pebble Beach, the modern Mulsanne enters production in March 2010 on a platform exclusive to Bentley.24

  6. 2011

    4.9 seconds to 60 mph, tested

    The instrumented 2012 Mulsanne test returns 4.9 seconds to 60 mph and a 13.4-second quarter-mile, with a measured curb weight of 2,738 kg.4

  7. 2015

    Speed: 530 hp and 1,100 Nm

    A revised combustion system improves efficiency by 13%; the Speed delivers 530 hp, 1,100 Nm and 0–60 mph in 4.8 seconds.29

  8. 2016

    A quieter 2017 range, plus a 250 mm stretch

    2017 models gain revised air springs, variable engine mounts and foam-lined tires; the new Extended Wheelbase adds 250 mm of rear legroom.910

  9. 2020

    30 final cars retire the 6.75 L V8

    The 6.75 Edition by Mulliner ends the run. Production stops June 25 after 61 years of the V8; the third-generation Flying Spur takes over as flagship.211

Every generation

  • Bentley T1
    T11965–1977
  • Bentley T2
    T21977–1980
  • Bentley Mulsanne
    SZ1980–1992
  • Bentley Turbo R
    Bentley Turbo RIntroduced 1985
  • Bentley Flying Spur (third generation)
    Bentley Flying Spur (third generation)

Power over the years

From 170 hp to 505 hp in 29 years.

0200400600 1980198519901995200020052010 hp 1980 · 170 hp · Original Mulsanne1982 · 298 hp · Mulsanne Turbo1987 · 205 hp · Mulsanne S2009 · 505 hp · Modern Mulsanne unveiling 505 hp Modern Mulsanne unveiling 170 hp Original Mulsanne
167
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
1980170Original Mulsanne
1982298Mulsanne Turbo
1987205Mulsanne S
2009505Modern Mulsanne unveiling

Versions

11 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Standard

    Mulsanne

    1980–1987

    170 hp

    533 built

  • Mulsanne / Extended Wheelbase

    Standard

    Mulsanne / Extended Wheelbase

    2010–2020

    505 hp
  • Mulsanne S

    Performance

    Mulsanne S

    1987–1992

    205 hp

    970 built

  • Mulsanne Turbo

    Performance

    Mulsanne Turbo

    1982–1985

    300 hp

    516 built

  • Mulsanne W.O. Edition

    Limited

    Mulsanne W.O. Edition

    2019

  • Limited

    Mulsanne Diamond Jubilee Edition

    2012

    505 hp

    60 built

  • Limited

    Mulsanne Le Mans Edition

    2013

    505 hp

    48 built

  • Limited

    6.75 Edition by Mulliner

    2020

    530 hp
  • Birkin Mulsanne

    Limited

    Birkin Mulsanne

    2014

    505 hp

  • Limited

    Mulsanne 95

    2014

    505 hp
  • Mulsanne Grand Limousine by Mulliner

    Special

    Mulsanne Grand Limousine by Mulliner

    2016

How to spot one

Look for

  • Modern cars: long hood, short front overhang and muscular rear haunches.521
  • Early modern cars: floating oval LED rear lights echo the shape of the exhaust outlets.5

Year by year

  1. 1989

    The Mulsanne S trades rectangular headlights for 4 round units with high-pressure jet washers.78

  2. 2016

    Extended Wheelbase arrives with longer rear doors and a pronounced kink in the line toward the rear fender.213

  3. 2016 facelift / 2017 MY

    An 80 mm wider vertical-bar grille, raised outer LED lamps, B-shaped fender vents and B-pattern rear lights mark the facelift.1013

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Bentley Mulsanne
    Mulsanne
    Photo of a Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit
    Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit

    Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit

    On early cars, check the badges: the Mulsanne was the Bentley-badged equivalent of the Silver Spirit.37

  • Bentley Turbo R

    Compared with the Mulsanne Turbo, the Turbo R has wider tires and front and rear spoilers.36

  • Photo of a Bentley Mulsanne
    Mulsanne
    Photo of a Rolls-Royce Ghost
    Rolls-Royce Ghost

    Rolls-Royce Ghost

    The modern Mulsanne has a longer, lower look, with sculpted front fenders and large round headlights.22

Against its rivals

  • Mulsanne vs Rolls-Royce Ghost

    0–97 km/h (claimed) lower is better

    Mulsanne5.1 s
    Rolls-Royce Ghost4.7 s
    22
  • Rolls-Royce Phantom

    Mulsanne vs Rolls-Royce Phantom

    Price lower is better

    Mulsanne220,000 £
    Rolls-Royce Phantom275,000 £
    1322

Prices

Value today $39.0K–$130.0K1

Price when newAuction saleValue todayPrices on a log scale
$10K$100K$1M 2010201520202025 Value today: $39,000–$130,000 2012 · $291,295 · US base, standard2012 · $328,365 · US as tested, Naim/21-inch wheels2017 · $310,395 · US estimated base, standard2017 · $341,325 · US estimated base, Speed2017 · $370,000 · US est. base, Extended Wheelbase 2012 · $291,295 · US base, 2012 model year (modern generation) 2009 · $550,000 · First modern car, chassis 00001; incl. premium, Gooding & Company2020 · $16,100 · 1990 Mulsanne; GBP×1.30 approx. USD, Bonhams MPH2025 · $61,300 · 2012 saloon, c.38,575 mi; GBP×1.30 approx. USD, The Bond Street Sale2025 · $155,000 · 2017 Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase, 23k miles, BaT2025 · $90,000 · 2016 Mulsanne Speed, 26k miles, BaT2025 · $99,500 · 2017 Mulsanne, 16k miles, BaT2025 · $137,000 · 2017 Mulsanne Speed, 20k miles, BaT2026 · $61,400 · 2015 Speed, 33,921 mi ind.; GBP×1.30 approx. USD, The Market2026 · $68,000 · 2012 Mulsanne, 31k miles, BaT2026 · $14,700 · 1983 Mulsanne, 59k miles shown, BaT $550.0K Gooding & Company, 2009
249142829303132333435
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2012Launch price$291,295US base, 2012 model year (modern generation)
2012Price when new$291,295US base, standard
2012Price when new$328,365US as tested, Naim/21-inch wheels
2017Price when new$310,395US estimated base, standard
2017Price when new$341,325US estimated base, Speed
2017Price when new$370,000US est. base, Extended Wheelbase
2009Auction sale$550,000First modern car, chassis 00001; incl. premium, Gooding & Company
2020Auction sale$16,1001990 Mulsanne; GBP×1.30 approx. USD, Bonhams MPH
2025Auction sale$61,3002012 saloon, c.38,575 mi; GBP×1.30 approx. USD, The Bond Street Sale
2025Auction sale$155,0002017 Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase, 23k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$90,0002016 Mulsanne Speed, 26k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$99,5002017 Mulsanne, 16k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$137,0002017 Mulsanne Speed, 20k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$61,4002015 Speed, 33,921 mi ind.; GBP×1.30 approx. USD, The Market
2026Auction sale$68,0002012 Mulsanne, 31k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$14,7001983 Mulsanne, 59k miles shown, BaT
2026Value today$39,000–$130,000

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 11 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 12 stories from its legend
    • “A Le Mans straight, then a six-win tribute”
    • “From The Getaway to Watch Dogs”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 5 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 35 sources
  1. Bentley Mulsanne (2010 - 2020) review – the last old-school Bentley | evo evo.co.uk
  2. Bentley Mulsanne (2010) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  3. Buying Guide: Spirit, Spur & Bentley Derivatives | Flying Spares flyingspares.com
  4. 2012 Bentley Mulsanne Test - Review - Car and Driver caranddriver.com
  5. Bentley Mulsanne: updates - Car Body Design carbodydesign.com
  6. Bentley Mulsanne Turbo rrsilverspirit.com
  7. Bentley Mulsanne (1980–1992) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  8. Bentley Mulsanne S rrsilverspirit.com
  9. 2017 Bentley Mulsanne Drive – Review – Car and Driver caranddriver.com
  10. Bentley Mulsanne Short and Extended Wheelbases | 2017MY caricos.com
  11. Bentley Mulsanne 6.75 Edition launched to mark end of production | evo evo.co.uk
  12. 2016 Bentley Mulsanne First Edition debuts in China - paultan.org paultan.org
  13. 2017 Bentley Mulsanne First Drive Review motortrend.com
  14. 2015 Bentley Mulsanne Speed For Sale by Auction themarket.co.uk
  15. Bentley Mulsanne W.O. Edition marks British marque’s 100th birthday | evo evo.co.uk
  16. 2012 Bentley Mulsanne Diamond Jubilee Edition supercars.net
  17. 2013 Bentley Mulsanne Le Mans Edition supercars.net
  18. Bentley Birkin Mulsanne special edition launched | evo evo.co.uk
  19. Bentley celebrates 95 years with Mulsanne 95 autoweek.com
  20. Bentley Mulsanne Grand Limousine by Mulliner | 2016MY caricos.com
  21. 2011 Bentley Mulsanne First Look - Motor Trend motortrend.com
  22. Bentley Mulsanne autozine.org
  23. Bentley T-series - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  24. Majestic Mulsanne | Flying Spares flyingspares.com
  25. Bentley Arnage - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  26. The Weeknd's McLaren P1, Aventador SV And Mulsanne Feature In 'Starboy' Music Video | Carscoops carscoops.com
  27. IGCD.net - Internet Game Cars Database igcd.net
  28. Bonhams Cars : 1990 Bentley Mulsanne Chassis no. SCV250088LCH32010 carsd.bonhams.com
  29. Bonhams Cars : 2012 Bentley Mulsanne Saloon Chassis no. SCBBA63Y2DC617383 carsd.bonhams.com
  30. 1983 Bentley Mulsanne for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $14,700 on February 13, 2026 (Lot #229,856) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  31. 2017 Bentley Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $135,000 on June 30, 2025 (Lot #198,486) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  32. 2012 Bentley Mulsanne for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $68,000 on October 29, 2026 (Lot #271,111) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  33. No Reserve: 2016 Bentley Mulsanne Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $90,000 on May 13, 2025 (Lot #191,513) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  34. 2017 Bentley Mulsanne for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $99,500 on February 14, 2025 (Lot #180,437) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  35. 2017 Bentley Mulsanne Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $137,000 on January 15, 2025 (Lot #177,253) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • evo.co.uk
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • flyingspares.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • carbodydesign.com
  • rrsilverspirit.com
  • caricos.com
  • paultan.org
  • motortrend.com
  • themarket.co.uk
  • supercars.net
  • autoweek.com
  • autozine.org
  • carscoops.com

Photo credits

Other car files